Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has issued a bold warning to Formula 1 rivals, declaring that Lewis Hamilton has “put himself back in the game” as the seven-time world champion prepares for his highly anticipated debut season with the Scuderia. In a move that has reignited hopes of ending Ferrari’s title drought, Hamilton joins forces with Charles Leclerc to form what is widely regarded as the strongest driver pairing on the grid.
A new chapter for Hamilton and Ferrari
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks the second major team switch of his career after 12 seasons with Mercedes, where he claimed six Drivers’ Championships and an astounding 84 race victories. However, after a challenging 2024 season where George Russell outqualified him in 19 of 24 races, Hamilton’s decision to embrace a fresh challenge is already making waves.
Hamilton is set to make his first outing in a Ferrari F1 car next week at Fiorano following simulator work at Maranello. The 40-year-old expressed his excitement for this new chapter in a heartfelt LinkedIn post encouraging people to “embrace the change.” Ferrari’s Vigna sees this mindset as pivotal not just for Hamilton but for the entire team.
“Change is always important, and Hamilton has put himself back into the game,” Vigna told Corriere della Sera. “A guy who has won seven titles can transfer so much—his technical guidance, his experience, and his hunger for success.”
Ferrari’s resurgence and Hamilton’s role
Ferrari narrowly missed out on both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in 2024, finishing just 14 points behind champions McLaren. Under Team Principal Fred Vasseur, Ferrari secured five victories, a significant step forward for the Maranello outfit.
Vigna is confident Hamilton’s arrival will provide the extra “push” needed to end Ferrari’s title drought, which has stretched on since Kimi Räikkönen’s 2007 Drivers’ Championship and the team’s 2008 Constructors’ title.
“At the age of 40, Lewis has embraced a new culture and isn’t afraid of change,” Vigna said. “His addition to the team will push us further. It’s like dancing—the key is to maintain the rhythm. We’ll learn from him, and he’ll learn from us.”
Hamilton’s hunger for an eighth title
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is driven by his quest for a record-breaking eighth Drivers’ Championship, a feat that would cement his legacy as the greatest F1 driver of all time. Paired with the dynamic Charles Leclerc, Ferrari now boasts a lineup capable of battling on all fronts.
“Lewis has a great desire for change,” Vigna added. “He’s not just here to participate; he’s here to win. His experience and drive are invaluable assets for the team.”
Hamilton’s debut in red will not only represent a personal milestone but also a critical moment for Ferrari, as they aim to leverage his expertise to refine their car development and race strategy.
Looking ahead: Ferrari’s cautious optimism
Despite the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s arrival, Vigna emphasized the importance of staying grounded: “Wheels on the ground. The fundamental thing is to learn from previous mistakes.”
Hamilton’s partnership with Ferrari has already drawn comparisons to legendary pairings in the team’s storied history. With testing on the horizon and the first race looming, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see if the Hamilton-Leclerc duo can deliver the championship glory that has eluded them for over a decade.